Mystery, Maudie, and South African Sunsets–A Review

Author Pierre Van Rooyen ensures that when this tantalizing period story begins, the reader is transported to the suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. The narrator is the middle child of a widowed father. Frog–Victor, aged 10–is the oldest, and Maudie—aged 6–is the youngest.

Written in memoir-style, the story looks back at a life lived amidst personal mysteries. Maudie had witnessed her mother’s and uncle’s deaths. The event left her mute, suffering from frequent nightmares. The book’s title derives from the fact that Maudie felt herself to be a different color each day. On Saturdays she was gold.

The story’s memories flow like a southern river on a summer day; persistent and revealing all the dirt scraped from banks on its way past. The dirt, in this case, is a rich setting filled with those details that give a place flavor and substance.

The characters, with their unique speech patterns, begin to feel like the quirky kids down the street; those with secrets held from strangers and knowledge gained from life’s hurdles and speculation.

The mystery that surrounds Maudie and the fears that drive her nightmares and superstitions also drive the story. Promises of native sorcery creep into the story often enough to keep pages turning until the end when all is revealed. The use of the narrator’s small asides to the reader makes effective use of backstory to keep clarity in order.

This 325 page book appeals to younger readers as easily as to adults. The characters hold court for all and deliver a well-seasoned performance. Pierre Van Rooyen has created a place where readers can go looking for foreign adventure, chilling speculation, and come away with deeper thoughts to ponder.

Endaxipress has a winner on its hands with Saturdays Are Gold. This reviewer can recommend this as a page turner of the best kind.